Worst Blogger Ever!

Yep, that's me. I have no good excuse either. But it's sad that I haven't posted since October and most of my posts before that were links to other people's blogs! Maybe sometime during this Christmas break I'll actually post something worthwhile. Although, I think I've said that a lot on here recently.

I hope everyone is ready for Christmas. We started our gatherings/celebrations on Sunday and will continue through Saturday! But that's ok, because I love it. I also love this song and decided to post for you all to enjoy.

Even though I love this time of year...

I do not love seeing Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations in the stores all together. Please, let's take it one holiday at a time people. That is all.

Disney World!

So, I was really thinking that I had blogged about our trip to Disney World. But I cannot find it anywhere. I also thought the post might be on Jeremy's blog. But it's not. It is however on his main website page. So I am going to post the link for you guys.

http://www.getawaywiregrass.com/blog/view/disney-trip

I decided to do this post because Disney is such a popular vacation and Jeremy has several families there right now or going soon. One such family being ours, and we wish we were with them right now! (my SIL, BIL and their oldest two kids)

I am going to add pictures to this post because that's what everybody really enjoys.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy. And when you get ready to go to Disney World (or take a Disney cruise), you know who to call! :)

I Heart Fall

Even though we don't have what I consider a true Fall to be. But I've definitely enjoyed the cooler weather the past couple of days. I've been driving with the sunroof open and it's been so nice.

There are so many fun things that happen in the Fall. Football, the Peanut Festival, Halloween, and Thanksgiving just to name a few. And I'm going to Miss Peanut tomorrow with my mama and some other friends. So fun!

I noticed a couple of red leaves on some trees in our neighborhood the other day. It made me happy.

I really want to go to Aplin's and get a couple of pumpkins for the porch. Mitizi bought the most gorgeous sunflowers from them and had them at Apples of Gold the other night.

Our Sunday School is having our October social here. I can't wait!

http://www.corndodgersfarm.com/

Ok, so this is probably the most random, pointless post I've had in a while. But maybe you at least enjoyed the picture. This was my mama's Fall decoration last year. I assume she has it up again this year.

Blogs to Read

Well instead of "stealing" posts, I am going to link you to two new blogs that are definitely a blessing to read. You may have already been to them both. But either way, this baby and this woman need our prayers!

http://www.kerryandbonnie.blogspot.com/ (baby Ethan)

http://www.melindamcclendon.blogspot.com/ (Melinda)

Blog Stealer

Yep, that's me. Ok, not really. But this post and my last one have been links to other people's blogs. (but it's all really good stuff!) I guess my brain is fried after being at work and this is the best I can do for now. Maybe I can be original soon. But until then...

http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/2009/09/envy.html

Gossip Girls

And no, I'm not talking about the show. I just read this post on my friend Ashley's blog and I think everybody should check this out. It definitely hit home with me! And I wasn't even planning on checking blogs this morning. Obviously it was meant for me to do so anyway.

http://amorganslp.blogspot.com/2009/08/gossip.html

Another Tidbit from Wiregrass Travel

As always, you can read Jeremy's blog anytime you want. But I thought I would copy & paste this new information for ya'll:

I have a book your own feature on my web site now. It has a link on the left side called "book your own trip". It is operated by Travel Impressions(American Express Travel)with whom I book 95% of all my land packages through anyway. Now, if you are just kind of wondering what it would cost to go somewhere or do something and are not ready to call me, you can use this feature to get some ideas of what it may cost you. If you are really comfortable booking yourself, you can do it here as well. But I still recommend giving me a call to let me look it over because I do it every day and may spot something in the booking that could be a potential problem and fix it for you. The good news for me is I get credit either way you choose to go, but I much prefer personal interaction with my customers. Here is the link directly to the page if you would like to play around with it and see what you come up with. http://crusader.travimp.com/TIDirect/TIDirectFrontServlet?request_type=search&TIConnectId=107165060033

We know that there are people who really do enjoy researching the best deals and planning their own trips and now you can! We personally have used a travel agent (before Jeremy was one of course!) to book our vacations because for us, it was just much easier. So whatever your preference, it is beneficial to Wiregrass Travel.

Also, if you are on Facebook, you can become a fan of Wiregrass Travel if you haven't already. And for that matter, you can be mine and Jeremy's friend if you're not already! :)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Dothan-AL/Wiregrass-Travel/110049053961?ref=ts

Do I hear school bells ringing?

As always, the summer has flown by and it is almost time to begin another school year. I do still enjoy the excitement of starting another school year; but it's not nearly as fun as when I was a child and got to go buy a new lunchbox, pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. But I can go get a new desktop calendar/planner! Of course like most, I will be ready for a break in a few months!
Oh by the way, I don't know that I've ever posted anything about what I do. I am a speech-language pathologist and I work at Kelly Springs Elementary School. I am proud to work for Dothan City Schools and am very excited about the Yes We Can Dothan! movement. (which is another post in and of itself) I work primarily with hearing impaired students and I absolutely love it. And this year the autism unit from Landmark is moving to my school and I will be working with those students as well. I am very excited because these are two populations of students that I have a great passion for.
I should kick myself for not having posted more about these two areas because early identification and aggressive therapy/management makes such a tremendous difference with these children. I will try and be do a better job and post things from time to time (don't want to bore anybody!) about warning signs, typical development, etc. I know a lot of you (if there are "a lot" actually reading this blog, haha) have children and may have questions about their speech and language development. I would love to answer any questions or talk to you about concerns you may have. Feel free to ask me on here or you can email me as well.
Ok, so I have totally digressed from the topic of school starting back, but I guess there really isn't a whole lot to say except for it's just days away now! I wish everybody a great school year, especially to all the teachers and school based employees out there. It can be tough some days, but we still love it anyway right? :)

So glad to be back...

but it looks like I'll be leaving again Friday for a weekend at Shocco Springs. But that is ok, because I think it's going to be a great experience. I just dread being on the road again.
Anyway, maybe at some point before the summer is over I will actually post something worthwhile! I just cannot seem to get the motivation going right now. I will post however some of the thoughts I had last week while living at the Comfort Inn.

The Joys of Hotel Living:

1. Listening to teenagers be loud and run up and down the halls (They were a youth group from MS and actually checked out Monday morning. They actually weren't terrible and I'm sure I acted the same way once upon a time.)
2. Having a room right by the interstate/280 (not sure which b/c I am directionally challenged)
3. Being constantly worried about the cleanliness of your room (There was a stain on my sheets when I arrived and I asked for them to be changed. And I cannot tell you how many stained bathcloths and towels I had. It was quite disgusting. I don't think I've ever had that issue in a hotel before)
4. Walking around in socks all week in response to #3 and the remnants of a bag of roasted peanuts being on the floor when I first entered my room on Sunday.

All that being said, I always had hot water and the shower was spacious, the breakfast choices were good and the staff was pretty friendly.
I also got to eat at some yummy places while in Birmingham (The Cheesecake Factory, Zoe's, Iz Too, Fox and Hound) and catch up with some friends. And the reason for me being there to begin with- the conference- was fantastic! :)

Gone for too long!

Hello all! We just got back late Friday afternoon from a family vacation to Pigeon Forge, TN. Yesterday, we went to to PC for my cousin's 16th birthday party. And after church, I will be leaving for B'ham for a conference and won't be back home till Friday night! It makes me tired just typing all of this. I do enjoy being on vacation and going places, but not two weeks back to back! And I have missed reading your blogs so much! I can get to them on my phone, but if there is a lot of pictures I get impatient waiting for it to upload and just give up. But when I'm all alone in my hotel room every night this week, I might just have to wait so I can be caught up on what's going on in your lives!
Well, I must go get ready for church now. Can't wait to be back home, rested and back in my normal routine of sleeping late and reading blogs with my morning coffee! :)

Happy Independence Day!

I know that our country is far from perfect and that we are not having the best of times right now. However, we are still in a much better place and position than many countries around the world and for that I am grateful. Do you ever wonder sometimes why God allowed you to be born here in America and raised the way you were, as opposed to being born in a third world country? We asked that question to some of our students at VBS. And the answer we (well our associate pastor Mike Golson) gave them was that maybe we are to use our resources and talents we have been blessed with in order to do His work (which is so say, be a missionary in some shape, form or fashion) here on earth. I didn't really know I was going to say all that until I typed it; I was only going to talk about us being blessed to live in the USA! But that point is definitely something to ponder.
Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful day today. Stay cool and be safe!
I hope you will enjoy this video of one of my favorite patriotic songs sung by members of the Gaither Vocal Band. Unfortunately for whatever reason, I cannot embed the video. Probably something to do with my computer skills as opposed to the actual video. :) Anyway, here is the link.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c28028f81ee7af2bdf15

Happy Father's Day!

3 Years...Where did the time go?

Jeremy and I had our 3 year anniversary on Wednesday. I know 3 years isn't a long time in comparison to say 25 or 67 (my grandparents are celebrating that year anniversary today! unbelievable!), but it has definitely flown by! Sorry I wasn't quick to get this post up like Kristen was, but here it is all the same.

I actually think I will just post pictures from the wedding since I typically don't post a lot of pictures. And I will spare you all a post on why I married him and love him. ;) Enjoy!

What's Happening Around Town

If you haven't heard, every Saturday in June and July there will be a Farmer's Market in downtown Dothan (sponsored by the Downtown Group). I am very excited about this opportunity for our local farmers as well as artists! Instead of me trying to tell all about it, I am just going to post a couple of links that will explain the market much better. I hope you all will come out and support our community tomorrow. Jeremy and I will be there and we would love to see you. Bring your kids too because there will be something for the whole family to enjoy!


http://www.dothaneagle.com/dea/lifestyles/local/article/poplar_head_farmers_market_opens_saturday/75127/


http://www.thedowntowngroup.com/farmersmarket/index.html

Hope ya'll aren't tired of my updates....

because I have another one. :)
First, Jeremy's papa went to the cardiologist and his heart is fine. However, he still doesn't recommend back surgery so I think that is the route that will be taken. As for managing the pain, I'm not sure what they will do.
Second, Mrs. Angie's scan showed that she looks as good now as she did before the cancer returned! Praise the Lord! Now she will be taking a chemo pill. We all thought that this might be a 6 week ordeal. Well it might not be. Dr. McAllister currently has a patient that has been on this pill for 4 years! The only side effect she has is a skin rash. So our theory is, if it's not making you sick and it's keeping the cancer from returning, then stay on this pill forever! You would think it wouldn't be safe or healthy to stay on a chemotherapy pill for so long, but I guess it is. I mean, is it any worse than having cancer in your body?
As for my granddaddy, I still don't think they know what was causing his dizzy spells. Probably because he and my granny are both stubborn when it comes to doctors and medical conditions and I don't think they have even called to see why they don't have results yet! Or my parents have just forgotten to give me an update. Either is a good possibility.
Oh, and Jeremy is having to go to the chiropractor now. But that relates to a post I will do another time about our night in the ER. I know the suspense will be killing you! ;)
Well, school is out of for the summer so maybe I will be more regular at posting. Have a wonderful day!

Re-Post

Here is my post from last Memorial Day. I guess I am being too lazy to come up with new thoughts on the holiday. Maybe next year. But I am adding a video. Anyway, I do hope you all have a safe and fun day. :)

There are many of you today who are either at the beach or the lake, or somewhere on vacation for this Memorial Day Holiday. And many of you are just at home like me enjoying your day off. Others will have cook-outs today or will take advantage of all the great sales! But let's not forget the reason we observe Memorial Day. Let us not forget the men and women who have given their lives for this country and for the ones who are still fighting as we speak. We should also take today to remember the One who made the ultimate sacrifice for our lives and freedom.
Happy Memorial Day!

The Last Treatment

We are all so thankful because my mother-in-law had her last radiation treatment yesterday! Although, she is probably more happy than the rest of us. :) The treatments ended at just the right time. For the past few weeks she has been unbelievably tired and was having trouble swallowing. Jeremy grilled steaks last night and we celebrated! She will go next week to have another scan to see what the area looks like. Then she will start her chemo pill which will be different for her. We're not sure how it will affect her, but we know it will be better than when she had regular chemotherapy the first round 3 years ago. Thanks to all of you who have expressed concern and lifted up prayers. We appreciate it that more than you know. I will update next week after she has her scan, so keep her in your prayers one more time!

Happy Mother's Day!

Food for Thought

http://threadsmedia.com/blog/article/important-person-vs-important-work/


PS- Thanks for the prayers for our granddads. We still haven't gotten the test results back on my granddaddy. Unless my parents have just forgotten to tell me, which is possible! As for Jeremy's papa, they are holding off on surgery for now. Thank God for the anesthesiologist and his general doctor who didn't think surgery was the right thing to do at this time because of his heart! And he has now been referred to a cardiologist to see if he could even make it through surgery! Not sure why the surgeon was just going to forge ahead; it's quite concerning and makes me angry. Anyway, I will let ya'll know more when I do! Thanks again for your care and concern. :)

Prayer Request

Jeremy's papa is having back surgery next Monday. I'm not sure of all the details, but I don't imagine it will be pleasant. Back surgery is not typically the best option for most people (or so I've heard), but especially for someone in their 80s. Anyway, the doctor basically said that he has done all he can do. He can choose either to live with the pain the rest of his life (which has just gotten unbearable) or have surgery.
My granddaddy is having some tests run tomorrow. For quite some time now he will get lightheaded and have dizzy spells. I'm not sure when he first asked a doctor about this. But whenever it was, he apparently didn't know why it was happening. He had a spell on Easter and couldn't even make it to his bedroom to lie down. They have been more frequent lately and more severe. He had a bad one over the weekend to where he was pretty incoherent and couldn't remember anybody's names. My parents thought maybe he had a stroke, so my dad took him to the ER. They did a CT scan and blood work and everything came back normal. I hope that tomorrow they will be able to figure out what is causing these spells and how to fix it.
Our families would appreciate your prayers! :)

On a random note, I am doing the Esther Bible study by Beth Moore with a few girls from my SS class. Let me just tell you that it is one of the best studies I have ever done! And if you ever get a chance to do this study, I highly, strongly encourage you to do so. It is awesome!

Cruise

I promise that at some point I am going to blog about the cruise we took during my spring break! In the meantime though, Jeremy did a write up this morning that you can check out. He has a few pictures posted as well. Enjoy!

Wear Blue Day!

This is Blue Ribbon Week for child advocacy. So wear blue today, wear your ribbons all week and support our children!

Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center

Up From The Grave He Arose!

But He was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
and by His wounds we are healed.
~Isaiah 53:5




Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away- for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples-and Peter- that He is going before in Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you."
~Mark 16:2-7

Praise God, He arose!
Happy Easter to you all.

Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, "Truly this Man was the Son of God!"

~Mark 15:38-39

Good Friday

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
~John 1:29

Does Jesus really care what you wear on Easter?

All of my life, I have gotten a new outfit every year for Easter. I'm not sure why, but it's just something my mother and I do, as I'm sure a lot of you do too. Well, I was thinking the other day that I had plenty in my closet to wear and that I did not have to have anything new just because that's what I've always done. So I had convinced myself that I would just get a cute sweater or something and put it over a dress I already have to make it seem a little more new.
And then I went to Kohl's. And they were having a sale. So I convinced myself that I did indeed need a whole new outfit. They had some cute things, but nothing that just really blew me away. But that mindset of getting something new was there and I was determined to buy something. So I bought this shirt (the blue one) and this skirt today. I think it's really cute, but wasn't sure if it's quite dressy enough for Easter Sunday. Mostly because the top is really just an embellished t-shirt. I put it on for Jeremy and asked his opinion. He said it was totally fine and appropriate for church, but that if I was going for the dressy look, that wasn't it. I got upset and started fussing and fretting and entirely too worried that I wouldn't look the part for Easter.(whatever that's supposed to be) Then Jeremy said that I was being a bit materialistic (which I was) and that Jesus doesn't care what we wear to church. And he is exactly right. I have always felt that you should dress nicely for church within your monetary means (does that make sense?). I guess in my mind that is reverent or shows that you're giving God your best or something. But correct me if I'm wrong, but does it say anywhere in the Bible that we have to dress to the nines to go to church?
I didn't write this post so that you would all tell me that what I picked out is cute and fine for Easter. (I mean you can if you want ;) ) I wrote it to say that I am too concerned 90% of the time (sometimes more) about what I'm going to wear and how that might be perceived by others. I also wanted to see if anybody else has ever thought about this and to see what ya'lls feelings and thoughts were on this topic. I would love to hear!

It's Up and Running!

Jeremy's blog is now ready for viewing! He posted for the first time today. Please check it out at www.wiregrasstravel.blogspot.com !

I Have Now Been Blogging...

for a year! And I have yet to reach 100 posts. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Anyway, school started back today and it's back to the grind and reality. As always, I have several things to blog about; maybe I'll get around to them this year! I especially want to post about our cruise! Also, Jeremy will be starting a blog soon for Wiregrass Travel. We will both be posting as well as customers he has booked that would like to blog. I believe he has someone who recently cruised with Royal Carribean working on a post as we speak. Anyway, I will let you all know when it's up and running. And be sure to check out my co-worker Jacque's blog for her store The White House!

Happy Spring Break!

For those of you who have it that is. Otherwise, just Happy Spring! I too like Andi, will not be blogging during the break. So I'm sure I'll have lots to catch up on later next week. And I still have lots that I want to post too. I just have not had the chance to get on the internet much lately. With Jeremy working from home now, he stays on the computer a lot. (have i said that already?) Which is good, because that means he is booking trips for people. I need to save my money and get myself a laptop.
Anyway, hope you all have a wonderful week!

Going to make this quick!

Does anybody have a recommendation for a good place to get a pedicure? I want something that is cheaper than the usual rate of around $40ish, but I also want it to be clean. I do not want a fungus. :)
Hopefully this weekend I will have time to catch up on blogs and actually post something worthwhile!
Happy Friday ya'll!

Quick Update This Time

I talked to my doctor's nurse this week and she told my that my echo cardiogram was normal! I was surprised that wasn't MVP. But I guess I shouldn't have been; I had too many people praying for me! She said Dr. Connor would explain the results on the 1st. I'm not sure what else there is to explain, unless he thinks there is something else causing my heart to do funny things. Plus I have to do that fun, fun breathing test (spirometry) that the asthma doctor used to make me do. (i stopped going. i know, that's bad.)
As for my MIL, she begins radiation on the 17th. She will have to go everyday! She does like her radiologist a lot though. He was very nice and thorough when she went for her appointment Tuesday. His name is Dr. Patel (no relation to the OB/GYN) and is pretty new in town. I will update more on her once treatment begins.
Ok, I need to get ready for church. And I'm not sure this was a quick update! I just don't think I have it in me. :) I may be back later today to blog about what I did last weekend.
Hope you all remembered the time change!

Update....

Thank you all so much for your concern and your prayers. It means so much. I have felt so much better mentally (and physically too) because I know so many people have been praying for me. It is an awesome feeling.
Anyway, the echo cardiogram went as good as it can I guess. I didn't have to wait long to be called back and the exam itself took about 10 minutes. And my insurance paid for it 100%; not even a co-pay! So that was a blessing too. The technician told me my doctor would have a report in 3 business days. I may call later this week and just see if the nurse can tell me anything since my appointment isn't until April 1. I will update when and if I find out anything else.
On a much more important note, I am requesting prayer again. We found out on Thursday (while I was getting my test done) that my MIL's cancer is back. She was diagnosed with lung cancer (she has never smoked!) 3 years ago and went through surgery and chemotherapy. It is now back in a lymph node around her esophagus. The good news in all of this is that it's localized and hasn't spread. We were also told when she beat the cancer the first time that if it ever came back there was a good chance it would be new cancer in her brain. Strange huh? So we are very thankful it didn't come back in that way. Dr. McAllister is very positive that it will be beaten quite easily this time. She will be doing radiation and taking a chemo pill. Unfortunately, the radiation treatments are every day. Other than it coming back, the other bad news is that now that it has returned, it will always come back. We just hope and pray that she can go for long periods of time during recurrences.
I hope none of you ever need an oncologist, but if you were to I highly recommend Dr. McAllister. (his wife is a pediatrician by the way) He is from Slocomb so I have known him forever. He is a fantastic doctor and is so caring and concerned for his patients. He is a good Christian man and has prayed with my MIL on several occasions. He also took good care of my granddaddy a couple of years ago.
Jeremy, our family, and I would greatly appreciate your prayers. I will keep you all posted on this as well.

A little prayer request...

I had my yearly check-up with my doctor on Thursday. I told him that I had a couple of things that I was concerned about, but didn't know if it was even a big deal. (My first appt. with him was Dec. 07 and I am guessing I didn't bothering telling him any of this stuff then.) I first told him about my left ankle that swells from time to time and has for about 2 1/2 years now. He asked me some questions, and looked at and touched both ankles and feet. He said I most likely have venous insufficiency which is typically not a big deal as long as it's not related to anything else.
Then I told him that I often feel like my heart is racing and/or beating hard. I have had this for as long as I can remember. So he listened to my heart and then asked me to lie down so he could listen. I knew that wasn't a good sign! Then he asked if I had ever been told I had mitral valve prolapse. I told him no, but that my mother always suspected I might have it. (She thinks she has it as well, but has never been diagnosed. It runs in her family. And I think my dad's mother may have it). He feels certain that's what it is. He also mentioned hearing a heart murmur. Of course when I got home I looked up information about all of this, and a heart murmur is indicative of mitral valve regurgitation which he did not mention, but is a little more serious. He said MVP is pretty common and definitely not a big deal compared to the conditions many of his patients have.
Anyway, he wants me to have an ultrasound of my heart to confirm all of this and make sure it's nothing more serious. I go on Thursday, but won't have an appointment with him to discuss the findings till April 1! Please pray that it's not anything more than MVP which is manageable. For those of you who do not know me, I am quite a worrier, hypochondriac and always fear the worst. (Jeremy has banned me from WebMD.) I am trying to convince myself that I do not have heart failure and that I'm not going to need a heart transplant! I am also trying not to worry about the VI and MVP being related in a negative way. So, also pray that I will not worry about the test and the results, etc. I think this is a good test from the Lord to see if I will truly trust in Him this time!! So far, I don't think I'm doing a great job.
There was one good part about my visit. The scales at the doctor's office are much better than we have at home. I weighed almost 4 lbs. less than I thought!
Ok, I did not mean for this to be so long, so I will end now. But I would definitely appreciate your prayers. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks guys! :)

I Love This Bag!

In case you didn't know, I am a purse/bag freak. I would probably be embarrassed to go and count the number of purses/bags that I own. And there is a whole box in storage ready for my next yard sale! Anyway, I recently purchased the Only Bagg(in pink) from Shoebuy.com (b/c they have free shipping and sales quite often). I bought it to use more as a travel type bag. However, I have pretty much carried it everyday to work since I got it and I absolutely love it! It has the most room ever! And I made it cuter by taking it to The White House and having it monogrammed. I had my initials put on the front in light pink in Curlz font. I have never done a tone on tone monogram before and I love the way it turned out. This bag also seems like it would be a good diaper bag and/or purse/diaper bag combo. But you moms out there would have to vouch for that! Since I am so pleased with the Only Bagg, I am going to order the expandable tote (in turquoise) to use as a beach bag. I'm sure I'll have it monogrammed too, but maybe just with an "L". Monograms are another thing I have a slight addiction to. Anybody else out there own a Baggallini?

ps- Both of these can be found under the handbags and totes section on Baggallini's website. For some reason, they would not let me link directly to each bag!

National Green Week

Hello all! I am on my lunch break right now and I thought I would write a quick post.
It is National Green Week this week. Here at school we are teaching the kids about recycling and other ways to help our environment. I am very excited about this! I think our children (and adults too) should be aware of the consequences of what can happen to the Earth if we don't take care of it. Our LinC teacher (gifted/talented) and one of our 4th grade teachers are heading up the recycling of plastic bottles. I really appreciate them doing this.
I have to be honest and say that I don't recycle. However, after doing some research this week and talking to my students about this subject, am I thinking I should start. Do you know that most plastic bottles will never decompose? They will just stay in the landfill forever!! It takes aluminum cans 80-200 years to break down and 10-20 years for plastic bags! I think that if Dothan had curbside pickup that more people would be willing to recycle. When it gets closer to Earth Day, I am going to do another post about easy things we can all do to be more environmentally friendly.
Here is a cool website for kids you should check out:
www.meetthegreens.org

Be green everybody! :)

Resolutions Update: Exercise

January is almost over and I thought I would update everybody on my resolutions. I am starting with my exercise goal. So far I think I am doing pretty good even though I have skipped a few days. Even Jeremy has decided to exercise and get in shape. We keep each other motivated which is good! When we first started we weighed ourselves and took our measurements. Every two weeks we are going to do this. Well, after the first two weeks he had lost about 4 lbs. and I had lost about 3 and our measurements were slightly smaller! I did buy the cheapest set of scales Target had so I hope our weight is accurate! I am feeling much better about myself too. Not because I've lost a few pounds, but because I am actually doing something productive and good for my health.
I am probably going to need to add a day of exercise or lengthen what I am doing now because I don't want to hit a plateau. As of now here is my workout schedule:
Mondays- walk up and down our street
Tuesdays- weight training/strengthening with Denise Austin - Shrink Your Female Fat Zones
Wednesdays- nothing because I teach GAs. However, there is a track at the Family Life Center that I could walk around before church. I think I need to start doing that. Or if anybody is interested in walking at the Kiwanis park or something just let me know!
Thursdays- walk
Fridays- off day
Saturdays- Denise Austin Pilates
Sundays- take a nap and rest!
I have really enjoyed my walking days. I finally got an MP3 player (probably the last person in the world!) so listening to music makes it much better. Although I am having to restrain myself from bursting out into song. I'm sure my neighbors would not appreciate hearing me sing. And they would probably think I am crazy.
Jeremy is running. I know that people who run love it, but I just do not have the endurance for it. I do need some new walking shoes though because mine aren't really made for any kind of exercise; they are just cute. And they are rubbing blisters on my heels. Any suggestions?
I am going to wrap this up now because I have a date with Denise!

Waldenbooks

In case you didn't know, Waldenbooks in the mall is going out of business. They have everything in the store at least 40% off. There is a decent selection left, so if you want/need any books, please support them as they are trying to get rid of their inventory. I hate that they are having to close. Although I haven't really supported them in years. But there was obviously not a lot they could to compete with Barnes and Noble. Competing with Books a Million all these years was one thing. But competing against them both is quite another. Especially with this economy.
I hate to hear that anybody has to close their doors. Hibbett Sports has closed, and KB Toys is closing as well. And I'm sure everybody knows about Goody's and Circuit City.
So do your part (within reason of course) and go shop and stimulate the economy. And shop with local stores when you can!

FYI

Since Jeremy has started his travel business, we have learned that there is a very common misconception about travel agents. And I actually used to think the same thing myself. Most people think that you pay a travel agent a fee to book your vacation and that is simply not true! Jeremy (and all other agents) are paid by the resorts, cruise lines, air lines, etc. So knowing that you don't have to pay an additional fee should make you even more inclined to go through a travel agent. I'm sure there are some people who enjoy the planning, but I know I don't! When we went to Disney last year, Jeremy tried to book it himself. He got so confused and frustrated that he finally decided to let somebody else do the hard work for him. Of course it's not so hard to him anymore. :) He found out and you will too, that using an agent to book your vacation is going to be the same price and often cheaper than if you booked it yourself online. The benefits of using a travel agent are many, including having someone else do the time consuming things (price searches/comparisons, checking flight times, etc.), and having someone you know to answer your questions or call if there is a problem. As a travel agent, Jeremy receives emails frequently about private sales, specials, etc. that are not advertised to the public. If you are flexible and have the time, just let Jeremy know what kind of trip you are interested in and he will keep you informed of these specials. (they are typically short-notice trips; last minute space that needs to be filled)
Another misconception people have as far as Jeremy's business, Wiregrass Travel, is that he only books cruises. Again, that is not so. The confusion probably comes from the name of his home office, Cruise Planners. They do specialize in cruises; however, Jeremy can book pretty much any vacation you might have in mind. This includes, European vacations, ski trips, all-inclusives, Disney and the list goes on.
Now that I have cleared some things up, I do hope you will consider letting Jeremy plan your next vacation.
ps- Referral business is the best! So if you know anybody you could send Jeremy's way, he would greatly appreciate it. And be sure to let your friends know to tell Jeremy that you referred them; there just might be something in it for you!
www.getawaywiregrass.com

I Have Eczema

Raise your hand if you thought that eczema first flared up in childhood. Well, if you are thinking like me, your hand is raised. But we are apparently wrong. I went to the dermatologist Monday because I had what I thought was a rash. I had it for about week without it getting better and was getting a little freaked out. I was relieved when Dr. Johnson said it wasn't a rash or any other contagious, weird skin disease. I was surprised however when she said eczema. I really did think that it was something that developed in childhood. But she said it can occur anytime in life. And since I have many allergies and a tinge of asthma, and since allergies and asthma run in my family, I was a prime candidate to develop eczema. Yay for me. I had been bad lately and not moisturized like I should and had been taking very hot showers. This definitely did not help the situation. So now I have a sheet of directions to follow along with some prescription cream which has really helped. It has almost cleared up; my hands are feet are the worst right now. Before I went to see Dr. Johnson I had bought some Aveeno lotion which had relieved some of the redness and dryness. I also purchased some great organic soap at Target that I will go back to when this clears up. She also recommended several products lines, one being Cetaphil. So that is what I am bathing with for now. (Btw, Cetaphil is gentle enough to even use on a baby) I can't use Bounce anymore unless it's fragrance free. And I can't use fabric softener unless I do a double rinse cycle. There are also several ingredients I am to avoid. I try to do this anyway because I don't particularly like putting lots of chemicals and synthetic ingredients on my skin. So that part won't be too hard to follow. And I will now be returning some lotion from Bath and Body Works that I got for Christmas.
Ok, I think I have told you all enough tonight about my exciting tale of eczema! But if any of you have to deal with this too and have some good advice, please share!

Happy 2009!

2008 is gone and 2009 is here. Time flies all too quickly doesn't it? The decorations have been put away until next year and our lives are getting back into a routine and a sense of normalcy. And it is of course time to make New Year's resolutions. I make them every year and always fail miserably. You would think I would give it up. But I'm not going to. This may sound cliche and cheesy to you all, but it is so true. I have just got put my trust and dependency on the Lord to help me with these goals this year. I have always tried to do it on my own, hence the failing miserably. But I realized that I have never really made Him part of my resolutions and sadly not a big enough part of my overall life in general. Obviously I come to Him for the big things, and when I really need Him. But do I come to Him with the everyday things, and just to thank Him and praise Him? No, not like I should. Therefore, a few of my goals are tied into Him anyway. I may not achieve everything on this list. And I know there will be days that I mess up. But if I make my relationship with Him a priority and first in my life, I know I will more successful than I ever have before.
So, without further delay, here are my resolutions:

1. Read my Bible daily- I hope to make it through this time. We were talking in SS recently about how to know what God's will for your life is and how hard it it for most people to figure it out. I don't remember who said it, but basically they said, how can you know somebody well and what they want for you if you don't talk to them, spend time with them, etc. Therefore, if you read the Word and talk to the Lord daily (and for more than 5 minutes!) then you will know His will for you. (And you can apply this to all relationships.)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged word, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ~Hebrews 4:12

2. Memorize Scripture- Thank you Lori and Beth Moore for the challenge. I really need to do this!
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. Be a better example for my family and friends- That is, without acting self-righteous and "holier than thou". And also, remembering how not to act and when to keep my mouth shut!
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. ~Colossians 4:6

4. Exercise regularly- Not necessarily to lose weight (although it wouldn't hurt me to drop 5-10 lbs. since most of my clothes are tight!), but to be healthier. I hope it goes better than my last attempt!
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ~Romans 12:1

5. Eat healthier- Try to eat more fruits and vegetables and less processed, packaged foods.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. ~1 Corinthians 6:19-20

6. Be more organized and tidy- I have my Paula Deen planner ready to go! And Jeremy will definitely appreciate me helping out more with the housework. Yes ladies, I have a wonderful husband who does 98% of the cleaning in our house. I am quite lucky and blessed.
To be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. ~Titus 2:5

I know I have a long and lofty list to get started on. And I feel like there is so much more I should add. But I think for now this will be good! Good luck to all of you with whatever you do this year!
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. ~Colossians 3:17